More details set for annual Prairie Days

The Vandalia Chamber of Commerce has developed a fun- filled schedule of events for this years Prairie Days festival. With the wide assortment of events, there is something for both the young and old.
To kick off the day’s events, there will be a 5K/10K run or walk at 8 a.m. Registration for the race will be at the Vandalia Library at 7:15 a.m.
The Baby Show/Little Mister and Little Miss contest will start at 9 a.m. on the Main Stage. The Baby Show is open to all boys and girls who have not reached the age of three by September 28, 2013. The divisions are 0-6 months, 7-12 months, 13-18 months, 19-24 months, and 25-36 months. The entry fee is $2 and late registrations will not be accepted.
The Little Mister and Little Miss contest is for kids 3-5 years old by September 28, 2013. Children will be expected to give a short interview on stage during the contest.
The LaFemme Arts Club will sponsor a Quilt Show and Art Show from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the First Baptist Church multi-purpose building. Van-Far elementary kids will display their artwork in the show. Craft and pie vendors will also be open for business.
There will be a shuttle service for the festival that is sponsored by the Vandalia Chamber of Commerce. The shuttle pickup point will be at the First Baptist Church and will be running every 15 minutes. The shuttle will begin at 10 a.m., stop during the parade, and then continue through the day.
The Prairie Days parade will begin at 11 a.m. The grand marshalls for the parade will be local veterans.
At high noon, kids can enjoy carnival games and three bounce houses. The carnival will be open from 12-4 p.m. Individual tickets can be purchased as well as wristbands for unlimited access. The Motorcycle Show will rev up in front of the Vandalia Firestone store on Main Street. The Antique Tractor Showcase will be featured on State St.
Also in the noon hour, is the always popular Corn Husking Contest on the Main Stage.
In the afternoon at 1 p.m., there is a 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament, Super Farmer Contest, and a Washer Tournament.
For the 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament, the boy and girl divisions are first-third grade, fourth-fifth grade, sixth-eighth grade, ninth-twelfth grade, 18-30 years old, and a 30 and older division. The cost is $30 per team. Registration for the events is at 12:30 p.m. Call Pat Connaway at 573-473-0453 for more information.
The Super Farmer Contest is one of the premier events to show off your skills. The two divisions are 12-15 years old and 16 and older.
The events for the competition will include a hay bale toss, gate hanging, and hole drilling.
Another must-see event are the outhouse races, which will be at 3 p.m. on Main Street. The four person teams are encouraged to build and decorate the outhouses with a theme that coincides with the team member’s outfits.
While the outhouse races are running, the Blue Steel Rail Bluegrass band, from O’Fallon, Mo., will be warming up the Main Stage.
Joe Cole Comedy Magic will amuse the audience on the Main Stage at 5 p.m. Both kids and adults will be amazed by Joe’s show, that is one part comedy, one part magic, and two parts audience participation.
Car enthusiasts are encouraged to check out the Car Cruise at 6 p.m.
Gear up for some country music by the Vandalia native Travis Gibson Band on the Main Stage at 6:30 p.m.
For questions, a list of contest rules, and outhouse specifications, contact Micah Trower at 594-2411.